Spring Winds.

A/N: So it's getting a bit more interesting (I hope). Anyways, I messed up on the timing of the whole Hibari sakura hating thing but you'll probably notice it without me telling you. LOL ;_; Also a little fast paced, plus she's a normal bystander so there's not much to say anyways.

CHAPTER 3

I think it was an innate desire to try and get along with people. At least well, for me it was true. Though I believe that certain happenings can ruin that for you. For me, I was raised my whole life to not trust people.

"Don't you understand? That is why your mother couldn't be here with you today."

"Sakura, you have to be careful. I don't have to keep reminding you, you should know this already."

"People only need you when it counts but after, they'll always leave you."

"Only family will be there for you unconditionally."

"Don't trust them, ever. You'll only get hurt."

"No, Sakura."

"You can't."

You can't.

You musn't.

I can't.

I musn't.

So fine. I drew a line anyways. I got along with people, sure. I made friends, sure. Do they know the real me? No. What is the real me? I don't really know. Though what I say is usually only to please people, to get by. Am I fake? I guess you can call me that. I don't want trouble with people. What was the point? If I'll move anyways? If I'll never see them again?

If they'll forget me?

I guess it was for fun. It was like dipping your feet in the water even though you didn't want to swim. Just to test the waters. Just to know what it's like.

Just to know.

{ ... }

My days went by in this new school as simply as it could be. I spent my time talking to people here and there. Pointless chatter, pointless acquaintances. I supposed it was how it always was for me. But maybe, for good or for bad, something was different. Though not much.

Just a little.

I spent my time wisely dodging people's too sincere feelings, too shallow feelings, and well, Hibari Kyoya. You see, there was something about him that made my blood boil. Perhaps it's because he has no qualms about mowing people down in the hallway or ruining my mood. He has absolutely no regards for people and I really rather not deal with him.

But some things just can't be helped.

"Nanase Sakura."

And great, how did- When did he even-? Whatever. At least my name is no longer 'herbivore'. 'Herbivore' this, 'herbivore' that.

"What?" I stopped in my tracks to turn around, staring him dead in his steel eyes. Ever so gray.

"You were crowding in the back of the school."

Ah? That? I frowned. "That was not of my choice." How was it that some random guy's confession has anything to do with crowding? "Plus that was only two people. How is that even crowding?"

"Oh? Are you defying me?" He smirked, stalking closer. "Questioning my judgment?"

Oh damnit. "If I said 'no', would you leave me alone?"

"It's already too late, herbivore."

Back to herbivore, I see. I really didn't want to argue with him. Nor did I want to FIGHT him. Especially did not want him to know I could put up a fight. So I sighed. How to get out of this?

"Oh, Hibari-sama," I mocked. "Is there anything else I can do to make up for my behavior?" I smirked.

I think that did it because his eye twitched. "You can get bitten to death." No. Thanks.

"Well, Hibari-sama. If you bite me to death, you're going to lose one class representative among a very unwilling class. So I'm sure it'd be a lot more time consuming for the student council to find a new one. Not to mention a lack in staff. What a pity it'd be if the school's council were to have more on their plate instead of making this school shine like the wonderful school it really is." And what was I even rambling about? I didn't even remember half the things I said, half-consciously.

But since I mentioned 'school', I supposed he put it to thought. "Then you are to do my paperwork for the entire week, class representative," he mocked. A whole week.

At least it wouldn't be as troublesome as dealing with him. I hope. "Yes, Hibari-sama."

"Don't call me that, Nanase Sakura. I will bite you to death next time."

"Yes, Hibari-chan." Hah! That expression was priceless. He seemed utterly disturbed.

"Herbivore." Ooh, threatening.

"Hibari-chan-san?" I smirked.

"DON'T add- Just. Shut up before I kill you," his eyes narrowed and glinted with malicious intent.

I rolled my eyes with a nonchalant 'yea, yea' and left to my next class. Before you know, he kills me for skipping one.

{ ... }

It was February now and the best day of the year that most girls had been waiting for. It was something about the air, or maybe just all the giggles and excitement that kind of just makes you feel like saying "might as well" and joining in. Usually, I would think it's annoying but there was something about this year that seems different. That made me want to do something different for a change.

I clearly made way too many chocolates yesterday since I was in a good mood. I already left some for my dad, some for the waiters, and even a few of the assistants. However, there was no one in school whom I wanted to give some to.

"Sakura-chan! Who are you giving chocolates too?" Asked Riri, my friend with auburn mid length hair jumped over to me and slung her arm over my shoulder. A very friendly friend. I met her a few days after I transferred (and she was already quite friendly then). She was in a different class but she was pretty well acquainted since she was a natural social butterfly of some sort.

"I gave some to my dad, to the assis-"

"Stop!" She said with her hands up in front of her. Stop? "I meant a boy," she knudged. Boy? Why did it matter? "How about… Yamamoto?" she winked. Oh. I assumed my face was turning slightly red.

Does she think there's something going on between us? Does anyone think that?

"No, Riri-chan," I waved my hands in front of me in denial. "There's no one I have in mind," I smiled to reassure her. She continued staring at me with a goofy grin so I added, "Really."

And why does Valentines have to be like that? What was so great and exciting? I was swayed by the mass' interest and giggly plans, sure. But never, not in any of my years, did I find a deeper meaning to this holiday. I don't know how people are always capable of finding someone to give their affections to. Sometimes I wonder if it's anything more than just some on the whim kind of feeling.

How do they set themselves up to be potentially hurt? Leave themselves vulnerable? Show their feelings only to be possibly heart broken?

I could never do that.

Nor did I want to.

Kyoko and Hana walked up to us and started chattering. Apparently Kyoko made chocolates for all her friends. Hana and Riri started happily discussing about who they were going to give it to. Kyoko and I felt kind of awkward with nothing to contribute so we decided to take a walk. Sometimes, maybe, I think that Kyoko doesn't think about such things either. I wonder.

When we took a step out into the hallway, I heard a few mumbling and whispers. By now I know who it was that they see. It's funny how he hates anyone that causes a disturbance but his appearance is the one that actually causes a commotion. Hypocrite.

I suddenly had an idea.

"H-H-Hibari-san" a brown haired girl stood in front of him. "U-uhm…"

"What is it? You're in my way" he glared down at the nervous underclassman. "Don't make me bite you to death" The girl blushed and twiddled her fingers with a polkadotted bag, assumingly chocolates. He got impatient and pushed passed her with a grunt. Wow. Just take the chocolates at least! I would've. Free chocolates.

"How scary! I was thinking of giving him some too but..." a girl whispered to her friend next to me.

"He's just so cool!" This other one said in a high pitch voice, "too bad he can only be admired from afar." I scoffed, admired. Cool, they said. They forgot to add the work prick after. Then minus the cool.

His gaze met mine when he passed by me; his eyes narrowed. I felt my fingers twitch in slight agitation. What's his problem?!

"God he PISSES ME OFF!" I accidentally said out loud angrily in frustration. Oops. I covered my mouth and quickly looked at Kyoko who just chuckled.

I normally try to keep a calm and happy expression but I can't help it whenever Hibari's around. Did I do something to offend the majesty?

I tossed the previous idea I had out of my head.

"You two seem really close," she giggled. Close! No way.

"In what way?" I sounded tired and defeated. Close to killing each other. He'd win but you know,... well. Yeah.

...

The bell finally rang for lunch and the students dispersed into their groups. I took out my bento carefully and set it on my desk.

"Oh, that looks good," a voice praised from behind me. I turned back to see Yamamoto, holding his bento.

"Thanks," I smiled. "Sushi as always?"

"You know it!" he chuckled. "Did you make yours?"

"No," I said a bit embarrassed, "my uhm… caretaker made it for me" I didn't want to sound like a rich person by saying cook. I sounded something either way.

"Ah I see. Would you like to join Tsuna and others for lunch?" he asked politely.

I looked over to Gokudera who was saying something to Tsuna, "Um… I already told Riri I'll be joining her today," I refused as nicely as I could. Loud. They seemed too loud. And today I was feeling more... mellow, peaceful,...just not loud.

"Okay, enjoy your lunch then!" he smiled as he started to leave.

I looked down at the chocolates in my bag. "Um…" I said quietly. Should I?

He looked back at me, "hm?"

I still didn't feel like it was as good idea after all. "Never mind. Happy Valentine's!" I smiled to play it off. You suck, my conscious sneered at me. I ought to name her Hibari because she was also a royal pain in the.. neck.

He returned it, "Oh yeah! Happy Valentine's day!" and I'm pretty sure he gets a lot of chocolates from other girls anyways. Can I change gender?

Riri ran up to me after he left. "So?!"

"So...what?" I asked, clearly I didn't understand.

"Did you give him the chocolates?!"

"I told you I wasn't going to," I reminded her as patiently as I could.

"But you two seem to get along pretty well," she slapped my back jokingly.

"Why do I keep hearing that today…." I groaned.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"You're just scared of competition!" she pushed. What?

Competition? Of other girls? That isn't true... Is it?

Riri began to tell me her plans on how to give it to her crush, apparently he went to a different school.

...

By the end of the day I gave up and realized maybe I'll just eat it over time. However, that wouldn't be very healthy. We were packing up our bags after the bell rang when Yamamoto stopped by my desk before going home.

"Sakura-chan, I'll be leaving first unless you wanted to walk with us today?" he asked politely. I looked over at the door where Tsuna and Gokudera was chattering about something.

"Not today, thank you for asking though," I smiled. I really hated making my driver wait and if I wanted to walk home with them, I'd prefer to text the driver beforehand. I felt the ruffle of the chocolates inside my bag and I thought about trying again, "Yamamoto-kun."

He patiently waited for me to continue. I took a gulp and opened my mouth to speak again but… something stopped me and I'm starting to think I know what it was. "You're pretty popular, aren't you?" I knudged him and played it off. And you're pretty sucky, aren't you, my conscious teased. And you're pretty annoying, aren't you?

"What do you mean?" He chuckled.

"I saw you getting chocolates and confessions," I laughed and he joined in with me. I wasn't watching with envy, I swear. If I was... It was in the name of chocolates.

"Is that what those meant?" He never seems serious about anything. "I appreciated their efforts but they weren't really… special to me," he smiled shyly and blushed slightly.

I nodded, "I get what you mean." Special is hard.

"What about you?" he asked.

"What about me?" I wondered.

"Did you give chocolates to anyone special?"

"Oh, no," I gave him a small smile. Apparently to Riri, the answer of father, assistants, and staff was unacceptable.

"I see," he smiled and ruffled my hair slightly which made me feel the heat rise up to my face. What was that for? My dad used to do that to me when he wanted to tell me how cute I was and I suddenly realized how much I missed that.

"Oy, baseball brain! Are you coming or not?!" Gokudera yelled out impatiently.

"Oops, I should get going" and he gave a side glance to Tsuna and Gokudera. "See you, Sakura-chan!" he waved before he walked to the others.

"See you next week, Sakura-chan!" Tsuna smiled and then they all left. I finished gathering my things and exited the classroom, closing the door behind me. Maybe I should have given it to Tsuna and Gokudera, they would understand? Then again wouldn't Yamamoto? Perhaps I should've given it to all three of them.

The reason why I didn't give Yamamoto the chocolates was not only because I didn't want him to think I liked him, which I'm pretty sure I don't, but also because I was scared. I wasn't scared of rejection but I was scared of how close I can get to someone. I was scared that eventually I had to leave them or they will end up leaving me.

I replaced my shoes and put on my outside shoes before walking outside the building. It was still incredibly sunny and sort of chilly outside. I hugged myself with my arms and made my way to the gate. I was about to walk home when I recognized a figure standing on the roof from the corner of my eye.

Does he ever leave school?

I looked at the chocolates in my bag. I wonder…

And made my way up to the rooftop before I could change my mind again.

Sometimes good results happen from instinct.

Though this one shouldn't have one.

But you know, things happen for a reason.

Not like-

When I opened the metal door, the gust of wind picked up my hair and my skirt. It feels really nice up here actually. I'm starting to understand why he likes it so much up here. I took a step out and found my target laying down with one leg crossed over the other while his arms served like a pillow under his head.

He wrinkled his nose and glared at me once he opened his eyes. "I thought I recognized a distasteful scent." Don't start with me, Hibari.

I stiffened and felt my eyebrows twitch in annoyance even though I should've gotten used to it by now. "You don't like the smell of chocolate?" I teased. Although he seemed like one of those people that are all 'I-don't-like-sweets' kind of thing. "Here," I said as I tossed the chocolates in a cherry blossom wrapper. He caught it with one hand and stared at it in amusement.

"Since it suits you," I smiled sarcastically. "And because I know you won't take it the wrong way." He raised an eyebrow and scanned the contents. Because-there's-no-way-in-hell-we'd-even-get-along-so-naturally-nothing-comes-after-it kind of way.

Hibari, the only person to ever make me channel my anger every single time I see him. I hated his guts, he probably hated mine too. I was certain that he won't start thinking that I like him which would definitely never happen so I figured it would be fine to give it to him.

I turned around and started to leave when he called out, "If it's poisoned, I'll bite you to death."

Of course. I felt something tug at the corner of lips as I twirled back around. "If it was poisoned, you wouldn't be able to bite me to death," I sang out and shut the door behind me, behind the sight of his smirk.

CHAPTER 4

The sun was beating down on us and I'm amazed at how people can exert so much energy. The whole area just smelled like dirt and sun. The park rang with the sounds of bats hitting balls, running, and people cheering. I was never really interested in sports and I only came because everyone else did. Everyone. It's kind of strange how much time I spend with these people and how normal it seems to me now.

"Go, Yamamoto!" screamed Haru and Kyoko.

"To the extreme!" yelled Ryouhei along with some boxing terms in which I did not understand.

"This isn't boxing," Tsuna mumbled.

Yamamoto swung the bat and the ball flew past the gate, making it a home run. OH! By instinct, I jumped up with the two girls and screamed. I'll have to admit he's pretty amazing, especially when it comes to baseball. Although what did I know about 'good' since I knew nothing about baseball?

After he passed the last base, his team crowded around him cheering and that marked the end of the game. His team won by a few points and most of it was due to him. I think.

"Well, aren't you going to give him a hug?" Riri nudged me while goofily smiling. Hug?

"Why would I do that?" I laughed awkwardly.

"You two are pretty close, you seem like an item to me!" she giggled. Close!

I stiffened and I felt my face growing warm while denying her accusation. Yamamoto bounced over to the bleachers on cue and everyone congratulated him.

"Good job out there," I smiled as normally as I could.

"Thanks!" he gave me a huge smile and I felt my heart race, probably from what Riri said. He wiped his face with a white towel that was slung over his shoulder. "I'll go change really quickly" he told us and jogged away.

After Yamamoto came back, we all walked over to his sushi restaurant to celebrate. Thankfully Riri had to attend family matters or I would've heard non-stop teasing. There was soda with tons and tons of sushi. I really enjoyed tempura sushi so I was just mostly eating that. I chatted with the girls for almost the entire time until the baseball star came up to me.

"So, how was your first baseball game?" Yamamoto asked.

"It was really interesting," I lied slightly. It was fun with everyone but I'm not really into baseball.

"I'm glad you liked it!" he smiled.

"You did really well. You met my expectations," I teased.

"I can teach you one day, if you want," he suggested. Teach me? Aka recipe for disaster and embarrassment. I laughed but he just stared at me so I shutted up.

"Oh… Oh, you're serious" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yep. I think it'll be really fun teaching you," I thought about the anime where the guy would stand behind the girl and put his hand over hers. I felt my face growing hot and I shook my head to eliminate the thought. Idiot.

"Only because I'll be really bad. The bat would probably accidentally fling out of my hand and injure you. Or maybe it won't be an accident but out of frustration to end my misery due to my poor playing skills" I joked. I felt satisfied when he laughed. It truly was a joke, I was trained with weapons and it'd be the death of me if one ever slipped out of my hands.

"You don't give yourself enough credit. I've seen you play sports and you're pretty good," he complimented. He's seen me? Does he watch me? I felt a tad embarrassed so I just laughed it off.

"I must also be good at illusions if that's what you think of my playing," I giggled. He chuckled along with me.

"You're on a roll today. You don't make jokes often," he stated.

It was true. I just made a hm noise and sipped my orange soda. I don't really joke around often since I don't really talk to people. I only ever engaged in small talks at my other schools and I never got around to getting to know people. There was no point.

The party ended at five and people started to leave. I was waiting for my driver to pick me up. When he arrived, I bid Yamamoto's father good bye and I turned to him. I was about to speak but he spoke first, "Sakura-chan, if I win the next game, I get to teach you, deal?" he smiled.

The thought of me playing baseball was absurd but he seemed so dedicated to the idea that I nodded. I waved to him and walked into my car.

"Would you like to go anywhere else today?" the driver asked.

"No… why?" I questioned. It was strange for him to ask since he never had before.

"No reason, I thought you might enjoy the nice day out" I saw him smile from the mirror. I let it go and thought nothing of it.

When we reached home, I saw my dad, in his usual lab coat and disheveled blonde hair, walk up the steps with a small young boy with green hair and round glasses. What little kid wears glasses at what seems to be the age of 5?

"Dad!" I ran up to him and gave him a hug. He stiffened but returned my embrace and told the kid to go in with our assistant. "Who's that? Am I getting a little brother?" I asked jokingly.

"Oh no. One of our assistant couldn't find a babysitter in time so he had to bring him, it can't be helped" he laughed awkwardly. "Anyways sweetie, I won't be able to have dinner with you again, sorry" he apologized.

"It's fine," I told him, I was used to it after all. Always fine.. He gave me a quick peck on the forehead and swiftly left inside.

{ ... }

The next week when I came to school, it was abuzz about how there were some recent occurrences where a Namimori student would be targeted for violence. Everyone was crowding around in loud chatter and I was starting to wonder why Hibari isn't storming the place while giving out free death threats. Starting to be eerily quiet without him and his : 'Here you go! Have one for the day! A free pass for I'll-Bite-You-To-Death!'

And I wondered why this scene of this school seemed..lacking without his royal presence. Or perhaps I was just used to it.

Though there was some disciplinary committee members, not so strict or stern without Hibari around. They merely guarded the entrance, standing in position or talking among one another. I wondered if, without the loud muttering of bad news, if this was how Namimori Middle might've been like without a certain blood thirsty prefect.

"Did you hear?!" Riri ran up to me right when I entered the school gates.

"How can I not?" I shrugged.

"How scary! What if cute girls like us get targeted?!" she cried jokingly. I laughed and reassured her that we will be okay. Well at least I'll be okay since I was trained, I'm not quite sure about her safety though. But then again, she was amazingly athletic so I'm pretty sure she can at least outrun a small situation. If it was small.

"Well make sure you'll be with someone at all times," I warned her. She nodded.

When I entered the classroom, there was barely anyone and even Tsuna wasn't here. The class drone on for awhile, a bit too quiet without half the class present. After a while, Gokudera left because Tsuna wasn't in class. Yamamoto got up too and I realized there was no point in me staying either. The teacher exclaimed something but we ignored him and walked outside anyways.

"Where is everyone?" I wondered out loud. 'Everyone', I caught myself saying.

"They're probably in the hospital visiting" Yamamoto answered. "Would you like to go check it out?"

"Sure" I said, since there was nothing better for me to do.

When we entered the closest hospital, we realized the halls were filled with people in our school uniform, Namimori students; a few of them were crying and some of them were shaking in fear.

"What if we were targeted next?!" some asked each other.

"Why us?!" was the more common question.

We found Tsuna outside a room and walked up to him. "Everyone!" he exclaimed.

"What's going on?" I asked even though I'm pretty sure he doesn't know more than I do.

"Many students are getting hurt," he mumbled, afraid. The chatter got louder and more unusual. By this time, I already realized who had entered. About time he showed up too, riding in on his royal entrance.

"That's right!" exclaimed Tsuna. "Hibari-san is strong, he'll take out all the enemies!"

"Anyone who disturbs the peace at Namimori will get bitten to death," Hibari threatened. He was followed by his usual crowd of disciplinary committee members. Very cool, Hibari, very cool.

Although I'll have to admit, I'm also sure he would be able to beat up whoever was doing this. I've seen him take out people; it was fast and effective.

"Tchtt, he thinks he's all that" mumbled Gokudera. I agree.

"Oy, Tsuna," the little kid near Tsuna kicked him. "You're going to be doing something about this,: he said. The kid definitely doesn't know what he's talking about.

"People who are crowding around will get bitten to death" Hibari said as he walked up to our group while the other ones started dispersing into their own directions. He really only knows one line.

He made eye contact with me as he got closer, "You're lucky I didn't get a stomachache." He actually ate them?

"I really don't like you," I mumbled, annoyed that he has absolutely zero manners. "You mean thanks. And you're welcome" I replied for him.

He raised an eyebrow, "You picking a fight? I don't go easy on girls," he smirked as he taunted me. Of course not. What would his reputation be if he went easy on girls?

I opened my mouth to retort but Tsuna made one of those hiiiiiii noises everytime he was afraid. He jumped in the middle and said "No, no she isn't! She was just joking," Tsuna said. I'm not joking. Hibari yawned and stared at us for only another second before leaving without saying anything.

"Tsuna, I can hold my own, you know. I'm not afraid of him" I stated. Hold my own for like thirty seconds. But I'm angry, so yes. I can definitely hold my own against that... punk. He seemed to shrink and laughed awkwardly. I sighed and got over it.

"What did he mean by stomachache?" Yamamoto asked. He paid attention to that?

"Not sure," I lied. For some reason I didn't feel like telling him. Probably because people would get the wrong idea.

I scanned the hospital at all the Namimori students, decorating the hallways in their uniform.

I have a bad feeling about this.